Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat Recipe + Video

Ingredients

• 90 ml (6 tablespoons), dividedlow-sodium soy sauce
• 1lime, juiced
• 60 ml (¼ cup), dividedhoney
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons), dividedcornflour
• 680 g (1½ pounds)sirloin steak
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)vegetable oil
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)garlic paste
• 180 ml (¾ cup)low-sodium beef stock
• 60 ml (¼ cup)Sriracha
• 1head of broccoli, cut into florets
• To tastesalt
• To tasteground black pepper
• To servecooked white rice
• To serveEverything But The Bagel seasoning or sesame seeds
• To servespring onions or chives

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the marinade

   In a medium bowl, whisk together 60 ml (¼ cup) of the soy sauce, the lime juice, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of the honey and 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of the cornflour.

2. 2

   Marinate the steak

   Trim excess fat from the sirloin, then slice it thinly against the grain. Add the steak to the marinade, toss to coat and leave for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Brown the steak

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook until browned, about 90 seconds per side. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside.

4. 4

   Cook the garlic

   Add the garlic paste to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Make the sauce

   Whisk the remaining 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of cornflour into the beef stock. Add it to the pan with the remaining 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of soy sauce, 45 ml (3 tablespoons) of honey and the Sriracha. Whisk to combine.

6. 6

   Cook the broccoli

   Add the broccoli and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.

7. 7

   Finish the stir-fry

   Return the steak and any accumulated drippings to the pan and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Serve with rice

   Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice, garnished with Everything But The Bagel seasoning or sesame seeds and spring onions or chives.

What is broccoli beef?

Broccoli beef is a Chinese-American-style stir-fry of beef and broccoli, usually served with a savoury sauce and rice. This copycat version takes inspiration from the Panda Express dish and adds lime, honey and Sriracha to its sauce.

Thinly sliced sirloin cooks quickly, while the cornflour helps the sauce cling to the meat and vegetables. The result is a sweet-savoury combination with a mild, adjustable kick.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 455 calories, 45g protein, 37g carbs, 15g fat.

The beef provides most of the protein, while the rice and honey contribute much of the carbohydrate. Sirloin and vegetable oil account for much of the fat; serve with a generous amount of broccoli and a measured portion of rice to balance the plate.

Choose and slice the steak

Sirloin: trim away excess fat before slicing so the strips cook evenly. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibres and helps keep each bite tender.

Thickness: aim for thin, consistent strips so they brown quickly. If the steak is difficult to slice, briefly chilling it can make it firmer to handle.

Give the marinade time

The 20-minute marinade seasons the beef with soy, lime and honey, while cornflour helps coat the strips. Toss well so the marinade reaches all the pieces.

While the steak marinates, prepare the broccoli and sauce ingredients. That makes it easier to cook each part promptly once the pan is hot.

Brown the beef in batches if needed

Hot pan: give the oil time to heat over medium-high before adding the steak. The recipe allows about 90 seconds per side for browning.

Space: arrange the strips so they have room in the pan; crowded meat can release liquid and steam instead of browning. If necessary, cook it in batches and return it to the pan at the end.

Watch the broccoli texture

The broccoli cooks in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, until vivid green and slightly tender. Check a floret as it cooks and stop when it still has a little bite.

The sauce should coat the broccoli and beef rather than leave them swimming in liquid. Stir as the broccoli cooks so it is covered evenly.

Serve it straight away

Rice: spoon the stir-fry over cooked white rice to catch the sauce. Add the rice to the plate rather than the pan if you want to keep the broccoli and beef distinct.

Garnish: finish with sesame seeds or Everything But The Bagel seasoning, plus spring onions or chives. Their savoury flavour and fresh bite complement the sweet, spicy sauce.

Recipe notes & tips

• Slice the sirloin against the grain for more tender strips.
• Keep the steak strips thin and similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate.
• Let excess marinade drip off the steak before adding it to the hot pan.
• Whisk the cornflour thoroughly into the stock before pouring it into the pan.
• Taste the sauce before adding salt, as soy sauce already brings saltiness.
• Add the Sriracha gradually if you prefer a milder result.

Variations

• Milder sauce: use less Sriracha and adjust to taste.
• Extra heat: add more Sriracha to the sauce.
• Sesame finish: use sesame seeds instead of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
• Different garnish: choose chives instead of spring onions.
• More vegetables: add extra broccoli florets and cook until just tender.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting with the grain: the beef can seem tougher; slice across the visible fibres.
• Crowding the pan: the steak may steam rather than brown; cook it in batches if needed.
• Overcooking the steak: it can become firm; brown it briefly and heat it through again at the end.
• Skipping the cornflour slurry: the sauce may not coat the ingredients well; whisk it into the stock until smooth.
• Cooking the broccoli too long: it can lose its bite; check it after 3 minutes.
• Adding salt too early: the finished dish may be too salty; taste before seasoning.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat until hot in a pan over medium heat, stirring gently; add a small splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened. Store rice separately where possible.

Frequently asked questions